The traditional goodwill surrounding the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York was met with angry pro-Palestinian protesters just before the event.
News reports showed hundreds of protesters streaming through the streets around Rockefeller Center as police tried to separate Christmas revelers from the demonstrations and push back people chanting “river to sea.” Arrests were made and several fights broke out.
Many who wanted to see the Christmas tree lighting were turned away amid the chaos.
Artists on the show included Barry Manilow, Carly Pearce, Darene Love, Katherine Mcphee and David Foster, Liz Gillies and the Radio City Rockettes.
The event was broadcast by NBC, which focused on the stars on stage and left the riotous behavior just feet away.
Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and signs and gathered along Sixth Avenue with tourists waiting in line to take part in the tree ceremony.
The police were prepared for the disruption and put the ceremony on “high alert” in anticipation of the protests.
Source: Deadline
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
